Wood fires

Beyond extraordinary.

Whether you’re building from scratch or remodeling an existing space, adding a fire – the inevitable focal point of any space – can be a daunting challenge. Which fuel should I use? How big should the fire be? Which style looks best? Any authorized Fireplace Xtrordinair dealer would be happy to help find the right solution for your space, needs, and budget. Meanwhile, you can start your own search right here by browsing our product guide and experimenting with our Fire Designer.

If you’re unsure whether a wood, gas, or electric fire is right for you, the questions below will help guide you toward the ideal choice. But before you dive into the details, there’s one important thing to know:

Fireplace or insert—which do you need?

If you’re building a new space from scratch or adding a fire to a space that’s never had a fire before, choose a fireplace (Learn more about fireplaces.)

If you’re remodeling and want to modify an existing metal or masonry fireplace to improve its efficiency and/or update its appearance, choose an insert. (Learn more about inserts.)

Fireplaces (a.k.a. zero clearance fireplaces) are typically installed during the construction of a new home or as part of a remodel project. As opposed to an insert, the housing (or firebox) of a fireplace is composed of an inner and outer metal shell. The term “zero clearance” refers to the fact that the framing (studs and subfloor) can come directly in contact with the firebox; no clearance is required,
allowing lots of installation flexibility.

Efficiency

We carry gas and wood fireplaces that are ideal for both zonal heat (i.e., heating a particular room or area) and whole house heating. Our gas fireplaces can achieve efficiency ratings as high as 86%, while both of our Elite model wood-burning fireplaces have an enviable overall efficiency rating up to 73%.

Wood fire emissions

Fireplace Xtrordinair’s wood fireplaces rely on state-of-the-art catalytic technology to reduce emissions by 90% compared to conventional fireplaces. In fact, unlike most fireplaces, our Elite series surpasses the EPA’s strict emissions standards for wood stoves, with emissions as low as 2.3 grams of particulates per hour.

Venting

Sealed, direct vent gas fireplaces preserve indoor and outdoor air quality by prevent carbon monoxide, soot and nitrogen dioxide from entering your home and excess moisture building-up inside. Our unique vent style makes fireplace installation easy. You can vent directly out the rear of the fireplace through a sidewall of your home, or up through the roof as with a traditional masonry fireplace.

Sizing

Consult with your authorized Fireplace Xtrordinair dealer to verify which fireplace size best suits your situation. Before you do, though, take time to answer the following questions:

How will you use your fireplace: For zonal or supplemental heat or to heat the whole house?

How many square feet do you want to heat?

If you’re installing a gas fireplace, will you use natural gas or propane? And is it piped to the house already?

Direct Vent Fireplace

There are many variables to consider in determining what product is the best fit for your home. This worksheet will help your dealer better understand your installation requirements so that you get the best hearth product based on your home layout and heating requirements.

About Inserts

Inserts are specifically designed to fit into the opening of an existing metal (zero clearance) or masonry fireplace. Essentially, an insert is composed of a metal housing that contains the fire, ceramic glass windows, a faceplate (usually decorative) that covers the junction between the firebox and the edge of the existing fireplace cavity, and an air intake and exhaust system.

Efficiency

Open fireplaces can have efficiency ratings as low as 15% and can actually draw the heat right out of your home.

Our gas inserts can achieve efficiency ratings as high as 86%.

All of our wood inserts are EPA certified, meaning they burn both cleanly and efficiently.

Venting

Our gas inserts are all “direct vent,” meaning that they pull air from the outside of the house (not your living space) to create combustion.

To improve safety and performance on wood inserts, we recommend you reline your chimney with a metal stack.

Sizing

Consult with your authorized Fireplace Xtrordinair dealer to verify which insert best suits your situation. Before you do, though, take time to answer the following questions:

How will you use your insert: For zonal or supplemental heat or to heat the whole house?

How many square feet do you want to heat?

Will you use natural gas or propane? And is it been piped to the fireplace already?

There are many variables to consider in determining what product is the best fit for your home. This worksheet will help your dealer better understand your installation requirements so that you get the best hearth product based on your home layout and heating requirements.

Insert measurements

Take the following measurements to your dealer to help ensure that your insert is the right size.

Opening:

Height (A)

Width in front (B)

Width in back (C)

Depth (D)

Hearth to mantle (E)

Hearth to combustible facing (F)

Hearth to fireplace opening (if the fireplace is raised above the hearth) (G)